Superdome Commission Chair Ready For Long-Term Hornets Lease

Superdome Commission Chair Wants  To Ink Hornets To Long-Term Lease

Superdome Commission Chair Ron Forman said that it is "in the best interest of the state [of Louisiana] and the [Hornets] to reach a long-term lease agreement" for New Orleans Arena, according to John Reid of the New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE. Forman: "It's time to sit down, dot the I's and cross the T's and get specific on a long-term agreement." Hornets Owner George Shinn last week told state officials that he is "interested in scrapping the amended lease agreement he signed in January ... for a long-term deal," and Reid reports Shinn could "possibly want a deal that would increase the financial inducements the team receives from the state, to be finalized within 10 weeks." While Forman said that he is "uncertain if a deal can be reached in Shinn's timetable," he added that it is "something he is going to shoot for." Forman: "There is an excitement in the air when you go to the games, and it's a great place to be. The team is playing well. They have great players, they have great community people, the coach is doing great. We have a win-win, and while that is going on, Mr. Shinn is saying, 'You know what, I'm ready to negotiate a long-term contract.' We on the state side are saying the same thing" (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 3/13).